6 Bucket-List Small Towns In Michigan
Whether the goal is to skydive over stunning blue water, explore centuries-old shipwrecks, stroll through fields of colorful tulips, or ride a classic carousel beside the beach, Michigan’s small towns deliver unforgettable experiences. As the nation’s tenth most populated state and the 11th largest by area, Michigan is defined by its connection with wilderness and water. Bordering four of the five Great Lakes — Michigan, Erie, Huron, and Superior — it boasts America’s longest freshwater shoreline and a wealth of natural beauty. With walkable downtown areas, rugged coastlines, and one-of-a-kind attractions, these bucket-list towns offer an amazing mixture of scenery, adventure, and exploration.
Holland
Located on the banks of Lake Macatawa, the town of Holland is an outpost of Dutch culture. Filled with stunning outdoor attractions, this town provides visitors with a chance to experience the magic of the Netherlands without leaving the country. Let Dutch-costumed guides lead the way through the Windmill Island Gardens, a seasonal park that features a hand-painted antique carousel, a 250-year-old five-story windmill open for tours, and beautiful tulip gardens containing a 150,000-flower display in the spring.
Additionally, visitors can admire stunning replicas of Netherlandish-style buildings, walk alongside stately Friesian horses, and enjoy authentic Dutch snacks. Enjoy the outdoors at Window on the Waterfront, a 30-acre area around a marsh, featuring walking paths and thousands of tulips. Another place that celebrates Dutch culture is Nelis’ Dutch Village, a theme park that includes a petting zoo, cheese-making, and a wooden shoe factory.
Charlevoix
Tucked away between Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan is the town nicknamed ‘Charlevoix the Beautiful.’ This name is much deserved, as those who visit will find themselves surrounded by serene landscapes. Hike amid cedar bogs and sand dunes at Fisherman’s Island State Park, a scenic spot located lakeside. Visit the Charlevoix Mushroom Houses, a historical landmark that offers tours of these unique structures. With Beaver Island Boat Company, passengers are able to relax on a ferry heading across Lake Michigan. This service not only offers trips to and from Beaver Island but also provides tours of its beautiful scenery and rich history. Stand next to the World’s Largest Cherry Pie memorial, a pie tin which commemorates the world breaking record of a cherry pie weighing 17,420 pounds being baked in Charlevoix as part of their annual Cherry Festival.
Munising
Beautiful waterfalls, glass-bottom boats, and Pictured Rocks are just a fraction of the adventure that awaits in Munising, Michigan. Along a sandstone canyon sits a 50-foot waterfall, known as Munising Falls. Here, visitors can walk along forested trails and stairs to a viewing platform overlooking the falls. Another waterfall that offers a different experience is Tannery Falls, where visitors can stand both behind and in front of a 40-foot waterfall leading into a sandstone canyon. Explore the Great Lakes for ancient lost vessels by booking a trip with Glass Bottom Shipwreck Tours.
While on Lake Superior, passengers will visit a historic light house, rock cliffs and caves, Grand Island and Munising Bay, as well as two different shipwreck sites, providing a one-of-a-kind experience. Float alongside striated sandstone cliffs that reach as high as 200 feet above Lake Superior. At Pictured Rock Kayaking, individuals can go kayaking right next to mammoth cliffs and through stunning, natural arches.
Marquette
Marquette is a town that stands out, due in part to it being situated on the forested Upper Peninsula, it offers dramatic cliff formations and stunning natural surroundings. Dead River Falls offers visitors a chance to wonder amid a series of individual falls reaching over 15 feet. Surrounded by dense forests, these crystal-clear waterfalls provide an ideal place for fishing, kayaking, swimming, and even cliff jumping.
Located near downtown, in the winter, at the Marquette Mountain Resort, visitors can ski or snowboard down powder slopes and experience a rush of excitement. Catch a game at the Superior Dome, a stadium on the Northern Michigan University campus. This facility is the worlds largest wooden dome and includes an indoor track and hosts football games, natural history, and cultural displays.
Grand Haven
Located on the eastern shores of Lake Michigan is the town of Grand Haven, a perfect location to see unique lighthouses along beautiful beaches. A particularly popular tourist attraction is the Grand Haven Musical Fountain. Built in 1962, this one-of-a-kind fountain features synchronized water, music, and light shows that offer a spectacular display of creativity. Famous for its 48-acre expansive sandy beach that stretches along half a mile of shoreline is Grand Haven State Park featuring a lighthouse, fishing pier, swimming, and scenic views.
During the warmer months, visitors and locals alike flood the park for a chance to enjoy the weather and engage in outdoor recreation. Those seeking an adrenaline rush can try Skydive Grand Haven, where with the help of a professional, individuals can soar through the sky and experience a sense of freedom unlike anything else.
St. Joseph
The romantic beach town of St. Joseph, due to its navigable river and accessible sandy beaches, is unlike any other place. Walk along Silver Beach County Park, a wide beach on Lake Michigan, where visitors can enjoy beautiful views, go swimming, and play a game of beach volleyball. Guests of the park can also rent equipment, such as kayaks or stand-up paddle boards, and grab quick snacks at the beachside concession stand.
An amazing attraction is the Silver Beach Carousel, a restored vintage merry-go-round. This classic amusement park ride sits below the bluff near Silver Beach. For a quiet lakeshore experience, Tiscornia Park, located along a sandy beach, features a picnic pavilion and pier with a lighthouse. In the spring and summer, head over to Whirlpool Compass Fountain in County Park, a large splash pad equipped with water jets.
Unbelievable Adventures Hidden in Plain Sight
Whether skydiving above the Great Lakes, touring architectural masterpieces, wandering through tulip gardens, discovering historic shipwrecks, or enjoying seaside amusement rides, each destination demonstrates diversity and character. From cultural hubs to lakefront villages, these bucket-list towns in Michigan combine scenery, exploration, and adventure in unique ways. With its scenic landscapes, vast shoreline, and four-lake borders, Michigan offers more than just big cities with amazing attractions; it also provides unforgettable small-town experiences that belong on every bucket list.
